Another photo from Paris. Place de l’abbe Bassett.

See my portfolio for more select samples of design and photography.

I’ve watched this video several times in the past, but it’s something I keep returning to watch.  It speaks to the power of design and I wanted to share with you. Presented by TED – Ideas Worth Spreading.

Many years ago, before even becoming a member, I would visit the website at AIGA.org just to read the articles.  There were brilliant design essays written by Steven Heller, business advice from Tad Crawford, inspiration from Milton Glaser, and resources I could download and put to use immediately.  Today the writing is as strong as ever, the topics are relevant and the site always serves as a starting point for me on the ever evolving industry of design.  Perhaps you have visited that web site as well.  Or perhaps you haven’t even heard of AIGA.

AIGA – The professional association for design, consists of some of the best designers and creative minds in the nation.  It not only embraces graphic design but a host of uniting disciplines such as photography, illustration, web design, programming, and writing. The organization works to promote professional development for designers and creatives at any stage of their career and it serves as a source for inspiration and education for its members and the public on matters of design value, best practices and The Living Principals.

Despite all that, I really couldn’t imagine what membership might bring to me… after all, I was already able to read all those great articles online. I could browse resources.  And if I really wanted to attend an event I’d just pay the extra $10, $20, $50 bucks as a non-member and go to the events that interested me. Finally, at the urging of Fred Caserta, I took the plunge and invested the $300 to become an official card carrying member.

Life can be harsh and sometimes the struggle seems not worth the effort, but then there are people who remind us that it is.

Some months ago I attended a social media breakfast in Branford, Connecticut.  It was a rainy morning, a very early morning, and I arrived to the event a bit late.  Feeling awkward (I hate being late), I entered the front of the filled conference room and not knowing where to go, I spotted WTNH News Anchor Ann Nyberg waving me down and motioning for me to come sit with her.  Ann and I had never met before except for exchanges on Facebook and Twitter. As I adjusted myself at the table, Ann put her hand on my shoulder and said “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”  (Ann Nyberg is going to get ME a cup of coffee?) I was taken aback because for some reason random acts of kindness always surprise me.

Last week, I met with Peter Good of Cummings & Good for an interview regarding AIGA CT.  It was the second time I would interview Peter for INK publications.  Good is a rock star of graphic design and recently was recognized as the first AIGA fellow from Connecticut.  He’s created logos for The Hartford Whalers, Wadsworth Atheneum and Special Olympics. The poster design coming from C&G crosses the line between art and design.  As I entered the design firm, Peter immediately comes to greet me, grabs my hand and provides me with a big hug.  He expresses his pleasure in being able to meet again and once again I’m taken aback with the kindness and warmth of someone who has accomplished amazing and worthy lifetime achievements.

It is not often that we have the opportunity to meet such sincere and gracious people and when we do those encounters make a lasting impression.  Our streets are filled with road rage.  Big business and corporations take advantage of their standings and sometimes it seems that everywhere we look people are just waiting to be rude. I don’t write here about Ann and Peter because of their stature. I write about them because they have accomplished so much and they give so much back. It comes to them naturally.

All it really takes, for me, is a reassuring hand on my shoulder or a welcoming embrace.  I suspect the same is true for most people… little random acts of kindness go a long way in healing someone’s day. So the next time I see you coming in out of the rain, looking a little awkward, I’m going to offer you a cup of coffee or maybe a hug. Until then, here’s some flowers for you.